Långbanshyttanite is a very rare lead-manganese arsenate mineral known almost exclusively from the famous Långban mining district in Sweden. It typically occurs as small, tabular, colorless to white crystals and is a highly sought-after species for mineralogists specializing in rare secondary minerals.
Is this långbanshyttanite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch långbanshyttanite with a known reference. Långbanshyttanite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Långbanshyttanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Långbanshyttanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, divergent aggregates.
Often confused with
Långbanshyttanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside långbanshyttanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with långbanshyttanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Mn₂(AsO₄)₂(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Divergent Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese-iron Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $200-1000+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find långbanshyttanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban Mine, Värmland, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese-iron ore deposits country — that is the host setting where långbanshyttanite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, barite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, divergent aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify långbanshyttanite?+
Where is långbanshyttanite found?+
How much is långbanshyttanite worth?+
Is långbanshyttanite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like långbanshyttanite?+
What minerals are found with långbanshyttanite?+
What kind of rock does långbanshyttanite form in?+
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Find långbanshyttanite on the map
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